Invasive species

Many exotic animals and plants become invasive species if they manage to establish populations in new areas. The ways in which these pests are introduced vary widely, but they are often the result of accidental or deliberate human activities.

Whatever their means of arrival, invasive species can have an adverse and often very damaging impact on agriculture, the natural environment and our lifestyle.

The Department of Agriculture and Food, Western Australia's (DAFWA) Invasive Species Program provides leadership for strategic and operational management of serious weeds and pest animals that pose a threat to agriculture, related environmental resources, and market accessibility for agricultural produce in Western Australia (WA).

DAFWA's Plant Biosecurity Program provides leadership for strategic and operational management of serious diseases and pests of plants that pose a threat to agriculture and market accessibility for agricultural produce in WA.

Articles

Polyphagous shot-hole borer

10 September 2021

Polyphagous shot-hole borer (PSHB) Euwallacea fornicatus is a beetle native to Southeast Asia. The beetle attacks a wide range of plants by tunnelling into trunks, stems and branches.
1080 landholder information

13 December 2013

This article contains the booklet '1080 landholder information' and provides a general summary of a landholder’s obligations under the code of practice for the saf
State Barrier Fence overview

16 January 2014

The Biosecurity and Agriculture Management Act 2007 (BAM Act) provides the authority for regulations to be made for the erection and maintenance of barrier fences as a means of controlling
Introduced Marine Pest: Carpet sea squirt

15 March 2023

Carpet sea squirt (Didemnum vexillum) is an invasive marine pest that can overgrow native marine species and increase biofouling on commercial and recreational vessels.
Invasive species permits, applications and fees

28 June 2016

This page lists the application for various permits regarding the import, management and control of declared vertebrate pests in Western Australia, as well as the assessment of new or unlisted vert
Be on the lookout for the polyphagous shot-hole borer

10 January 2024

Be on the lookout for the polyphagous shot-hole borer
Skeleton weed: declared pest

13 September 2013

Skeleton weed (Chondrilla juncea L.) is a declared pest in Western Australia (WA).
Biosecurity alert: Pokeweed

6 December 2018

Pokeweed (Phytolacca americana) is a declared plant that is toxic to both humans and livestock.
Ants: identification and control

29 March 2017

Early identification of important invasive and native problematic ants within Western Australia is critical to achieving successful control and preventing invasive ant species from gaining a footho
Red imported fire ant: declared pest in Western Australia

10 October 2013

Red imported fire ant, Solenopsis invicta, is one of the most serious ant pests in the world and was found to be established in Brisbane, Queensland, in 2001.